BSc Software Engineering / Course details

Course description

Software systems are the cornerstones of all modern business. Such systems are often complex and long lived, and must be robust and adaptable. By studying software design and production techniques, this degree programme will equip you with the skills needed to follow a career specifying and developing these systems, and other computer-based solutions.

You will gain not only knowledge and practical experience of the latest technologies, but also a grounding in the underlying principles of the subject. It is this combination of skills that enable our graduates to keep pace with this fast moving subject, and secure financially rewarding careers that can be pursued almost anywhere in the world.

Special features

Examines the fundamentals of the business environments within which complex software systems are deployed

Students can make course unit choices that allow them to change between the Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Distributed Computing programmes at the end of the first year.

Teaching and learning

At Manchester we aim to provide a unique experience. Studying Computer Science with us will give you the chance to follow your academic curiosity and explore a fascinating subject.

A significant amount of your work will be project-based team work, tackling real problems. You will see how computer science is directly applicable to solving problems, across a broad range of areas.

The emphasis throughout is on independent learning, supported by regular meetings in small groups with personal tutors. You receive practical help and support from experienced staff and postgraduates, with leading experts guiding your learning and stimulating your interest. This approach is supported by conventional lectures and comprehensive on-line learning resources. We also provide excellent facilities, including specialist laboratories to support areas such as engineering and robotics.

Coursework and assessment

Unseen examinations account for about 60% of the assessment. These asses your abilities in the selection and application of knowledge, problem solving, and the design and evaluation of software or electronics. Other assessment is mainly through laboratory-based coursework that provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of computer science or electronic principles by tackling specific problems on a more realistic scale, both individually and in groups. The remaining assessment is through presentations and essays where, in particular, you demonstrate the transferable skills you have acquired. In the third and final years, the non-examination assessment is mainly made up of the practical project.

Course content for year 1

Course units for year 1

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances. It is estimated that more than a third of our students will receive bursaries of up to £3,000 per year and many will be offered even more generous support. For further information, please visit the University scholarships and bursaries
page.

What our students say

Todd Davies, BSc Computer Science

I always has the mind-set in my degree that I was learning how to learn. I feel like the BSc in Computer Science gives you a very holistic view of the subject, all the way from logic gates to high-level modules like Computer Vision.

Seb Masaru, BSc Computer Science

The community, the School, the University, and the city itself are so vibrant in Manchester. You get the sensation that the people here are all extremely approachable.

Facilities

As you would expect from leaders in the field, we offer some of the most up to date facilities in the world. Amongst the wide range of facilities available to you are:

Newly refurbished computing labs furnished with modern desktop computers, available with Linux and Windows

Access to world leading academic staff

Collaborative working labs complete with specialist computing and audio visual equipment to support group working.

Over 300 Computers in the School dedicated exclusively for the use of our students.

Access to a hardware library, with top of the range equipment, including drones, robots and oculus rifts.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk